Tennessee committee tightens regulation on hemp-derived products amid safety concerns

In a pivotal meeting held on March 12, 2025, the Tennessee House Commerce Committee convened to address the growing complexities surrounding the regulation of hemp-derived cannabinoids. The discussion, marked by a sense of urgency, highlighted the challenges posed by products that, while marketed as hemp, can produce intoxicating effects similar to marijuana.

The committee's chair opened the session by reflecting on the past two years, during which the state sought to clarify the legal distinction between hemp and marijuana. Initially, hemp was defined as containing less than 0.3% THC delta-9, but the emergence of various cannabinoids like delta-8 and THCA has blurred these lines. "These products are intoxicating," the chair asserted, emphasizing the proliferation of such items in convenience stores and grocery outlets across Davidson County, where 555 licenses for hemp stores are currently active or pending.

With a clear stance against the casual sale of these products, the chair proposed a regulatory framework that would restrict sales to liquor stores and specialized hemp shops, ensuring that intoxicating substances are not placed alongside everyday groceries. "I personally do not want to see in my community weed being sold right next to the eggs and the milk," he stated, underscoring a commitment to protecting children from easy access to these products.

The proposed legislation aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory system managed by the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC), which already oversees the sale of intoxicating liquors. This would include provisions for testing, taxation, and the ability to ship products out of state, ensuring that consumers know exactly what they are purchasing.

However, a contentious point arose regarding THCA, a cannabinoid that, when ignited, converts to delta-9 THC, effectively acting like marijuana. The committee faces a critical decision on whether to allow THCA to remain on the market, as its appearance and effects closely resemble those of marijuana. "We never purposely legalized marijuana," the chair reminded the committee, framing the discussion as a significant policy question that could shape the future of cannabinoid regulation in Tennessee.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members were left to ponder the implications of their decisions, balancing the interests of public safety, consumer knowledge, and the burgeoning hemp industry. The outcome of this legislative effort could redefine how Tennessee approaches the regulation of hemp-derived products, setting a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues.